What is Linen?

What is Linen?

Linen is one of the most earth-conscious fabrics. This remarkable material really is as good as it seems – it’s lightweight, durable and environmentally-friendly. Linen clothing is instantly recognisable due to the unique texture and drape of the material.

Sourced from the flax plant, this eco-friendly fashion staple requires little irrigation and mainly relies on rainwater to grow. Fall in love with the properties of linen with this guide on the popular eco-friendly fabric.

“I’ve always been a fan of linen. I love the softness, the way it holds colour, the weaves, the drape, and the way it just gets more beautiful with age. The fact that it is also the most environmentally friendly choice is such an added bonus”.

“I’ve always been a fan of linen. I love the softness, the way it holds colour, the weaves, the drape, and the way it just gets more beautiful with age. The fact that it is also the most environmentally friendly choice is such an added bonus”.

Victoria Stapleton
Founder & Creative Director

Model wears:
Cross Weave Linen Shirt

Cashmere Fair Isle Tank

Cross Weave Linen Wide Leg Trousers

Unveil the Wonders of Linen

Unveil the Wonders of Linen

Linen is a natural fibre that comes from the flax plant and is a wonderfully cool fabric to wear in the summer. It’s one of the most sustainable textiles as it requires fewer resources to grow and is naturally biodegradable.

Backto basics: how is linen produced?

Retting

Retting – linen is extracted from the flax plant through a process called retting. This uses bacteria to decompose the part of the plant that binds the fibres together.

Scutching

Scutching – removes the woody part of the stalk by crushing it between two metal rollers. Any waste that isn’t needed in the fabric manufacturer can be used for other things – like linseed oil.

Heckling

Heckling – the fibres are combed in long strips of natural material, ready to be woven into beautiful fabric.

What makes linen so lovely?

What makes linen so lovely?

Linen outshines the rest when it comes to sustainability. Not only does this flax fabric require very little water or resources to grow, but it also produces zero-waste. The by-products from linen production can be used for linseed oil or flax milk. It’s also biodegradable, so once you’ve had a lifetime of wear from your favourite linen jacket you know it won’t be sitting in landfill

Linen fabric is the world’s strongest natural fibre and can be up to three times stronger than cotton. It’s also more durable and can dry much faster – although it’s more prone to creasing.

Linen fibre is such a comfortable choice because it’s breathable. It allows more airflow to and from your body, so your clothes feel lightweight and airy.

Historical significance: where does linen come from?

Historical significance: where does linen come from?

Linen fabric dates back thousands of years. Evidence suggests that humans used it as far back as the Palaeolithic times. Linen was even once used to wrap the bodies of mummies in Egypt. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties also made it useful on the battlefields of history.

Europe used to be one of the largest producers of linen fabric. Today, it’s China that produces the most flax worldwide.

Crafting Brora's Linen Collection

Spinning

Spinning – once the fibres are combed they can be spun into yarns.

Weaving

Weaving – the yarn is woven into fabric using looms, using several shades to create are unique weaves.

Finishing

Finishing – the linen weave can now be finished to complete this beautiful fabric. Then, it can be dyed or printed.

Quality-control

Quality-control – the linen is checked for quality.

The Essence of Linen – A Year Round Essential

Linen is airy, light and durable – no wonder it’s a much-loved summer fabric. This quintessential eco-friendly fashion staple conducts and reflects heat away from you when you wear it, so you’ll be more than comfortable in the summer months in your favourite linen blouse or dress.

Linen defines a summer capsule wardrobe. It’s brilliantly breathable thanks to the natural properties of the flax plant. It billows softly away from your body, allowing the perfect amount of airflow. The material doesn’t cling to the skin so it’s perfect for keeping cool on a warm summer’s day. Linen also has highly absorbent properties but dries quickly, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable.

Discover our Finest Fibres

Discover our Finest Fibres

It is not just our quality linen clothing we are famed for; our collections also feature more fabulous natural fibres such as Scottish cashmere, pure new wool and organic cotton. All have an array of sustainable benefits, and all make beautiful and long-lasting clothing.

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Choose Brora

Certified B Corp

Certified B Corp

Carbon Neutral

Carbon Neutral

Our Founder

Our Founder

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Our Commitments